South African Pictorial - Volume 17 (Jul-Dec 1923)

EEE EEE EEA SAE SAE ILSISC SSS SIE EE ED ED EOD OP ED OP a a a on a a a op ae SOUTH Avcust 4, 1928. AFRICAN PICTORIAL. 17 [All invitations for dances, weddings and other social functions, and all communications intended for this page, should be addressed to The Lady Correspondent, THe Soutm Arrican Pictoriat, P.O. Box 1574, Johannesburg. | . The Opening of the Vaal River Barrage. I was one of the privileged ones who went to the opening of the great Barrage at Vereeniging. It was early in the morning when we stood on Park Station and said ‘““Cheerio! ’’ to our host and hostess, the Chairman of the Rand Water Board and Mrs. T. A. R. Purchas, and then took our seats in the special train; a most delightful feeling that makes one understand why the hero in the novel always charters a special train when he rushes to rescue HER. The guests soon divided themselves into sociable groups, and the attentions of the stewards and the conversation (all about barrages—most of us having read the subject up in anticipation) helped to pass-the time away very quickly. The staéion of Vereeniging, which we reached after passing through desolate, flat country, was gaily beflagged, and two rows of Cadets made a Guard-of-Honour to Their Royal Highnesses. And, with a big day in front of them, and after having travelled from Durban, the Prince found time to talk to the lads and to examine one of the rifles a_ sturdy youngster was carrying. Then, the pilot car in front, the Royal Party embarked in the cream Daimler, which made a bright spot of colour on the dusty roads as it led the procession. On the train we had_ received tickets with our names on and the number of the car to drive in, and I found my lines cast in MRS. T. A. R. PURCHAS, Wife of the Chairman of the Rand Water Board, who acted as hostess at last Friday’s official opening of the Vaal River Barrage by H.R.H. Prince Arthur of Connaught. pleasant places in No. 7, with Councillor and Mrs. Taaffe and Councillor Brooks, wherefore I ‘rejoiced exceedingly. It was an enjoyable drive. with her mother. Mrs. Purchas is the PresiWe went through the dent of Se tiny town of Vereeniging, between avenues of gum-trees that will at some future time be really wonderful when the streets are macadamised, to the veld. Tiny children cheered and one responded. It was our day out! The road wound in and out and round and round, and there semed to be a never-ending procession of motors and ’buses containing the guests of the Board. And before the day was over it was ‘‘ Hats off to the Board ’’! Never have I seen—and I speak for the majority—such really excellent arrangements. There was not a hitch anywhere. The time-table was carried out with clock-work precision, and one felt that a special medal should have been struck for the officials who helped. We passed through the digging: at Kaalplaats, which look like large ant-heaps and where it seems incredible that white folk can live in such poverty. There were a few tin and iron shanties, one more pretentious for the Claims Inspector, and one for the diamond buyer, but the whole was,reminiscent of the film diggers’ village, without the glamour that the movies give. And then a brilliant speck of colour shining in the sun, which, when we came nearer, proved to be the Loch Vaal Hotel, with mine host standing hospitable in the doorway. On to the Barrage, stretching from bank to bank from the Transvaal to the Orange Free State. At first sight it took one’s breath away—a huge structure standing majestic and alone across the flat river. And from the top, where we climbed to watch Prince Arthur insert the key that released the gates, what a view! On the roof of the world—way down below the limpid blue waters passive and shining in the sun, thousands of people waiting, their clothes making bright contrast to the brown sand of the river banks, tents with flags flying, and coming across from the tent the Royal Party, preceded by two commissionaires in full uniform. Then up the ladders, a moment of tense breathlessness. a mighty cheer, and the gates swung open. And what a rush of water, seething, tumbling, the white spray tossed high into the air—the mighty forces of Nature imprisoned by the hand of Man and then let loose. The Guests and the Dresses. Her Royal Highness was presented by Miss Stevenson, daughter of the Secretary of the Board, with a wonderful bouquet, one of the finest I have ever seen, and later a young policeman was seen at the foot of the Barrage enduring the badinage of his comrades as he held it while the Princess was up aloft. Utilty was the keynote of the gowns worn. Princess Arthur came in a chic coat and: skirt of fawn wool interwoven in a pattern on the skirt in silk of a lighter shade, and had on a small hat of fawn with shades of rose, green and rust, and simply banded with gold ribbon. Later she wore a smart fur coat of seal skin with a mole collar. Mrs. Russell Wilkinson, who with Captain Wilkinson accompanied the Royal Party, had on a brown coat with deep bands of fur over her smart gown and a brown hat trimmed with red leaves. Mrs. T. A. R. Purchas came in a brown coat, with some lovely furs worn over her blue and white frock, and a black satin hat with a crown of green roses. Mrs. Ingham, wife of the Chief Engineer of the Water Board, wore a blue gown with georgette sleeves, and furs, and her smart hat was of black velvet with a plume at the side. Miss Colleen Purchas was Then I saw Mrs. Francis Phillips in a 9 =a CARLTON HOTEL oon vt @ JOHANNESBURG OO TET TEP fy (ONDER NEW MANAGEMENT 0}. 23) [" 1 hist aaa aD, J aunt of fashion and beauty. In Ah PS * close proximity to commercial centre a \an and all places of amusement. + ae The most luxuriously equipped Hotel in Telephone installation throughout. Magni ficent Palm Court adjoining taurant and room. Souper Dansant every Friday. Inclusive Terms from 20/per day Special Terms to Permanent Residents. Telegrams: Caritonia, Johannesburg. 7 H. GAUTHIER, Manager. CESS COOKS CR SASETASSCSCST CSCS SS SHOCHSSREATULEATTEUTTeOVeReaaanReceneaeaasaaesese 1SOSSOS CARRERA GASCORRARAASE ERO seeSeRsesRAsseseseracuse TIT IT I iTiliitiiiitiiriirititiiitiiiiiiiriiiiiitit | FAULDING’S EUCALYPTUS OIL (THE GOLD MEDAL, OIL),